COERR’s Environmental Conservation Program focuses on Environmental Education and Waste Sorting Training for schoolchildren, youth and public awareness, in Mae La Temporary Shelter for the Displaced Persons, Tak Province.

   In addition to the training, there were routine activities going on: Community based waste management being operated by Karen Environmental Group (KEG) and their volunteers, through garbage collection from public disposal areas and further to landfill and/or incinerate, according to type of waste.

   Garbage sorting and selling at COERR’s Waste Management Center giving opportunity for vulnerable persons and youth to practice garbage sorting and income generation.

   While the Eco-Friendly Houses continued to be visited monthly to support proper household waste management performance.

   COERR’s Centers in Zone A, B, C, offered fresh eggs to households which applied proper garbage sorting and disposal technique, in return for their household recyclable materials, especially plastic bags.

   Environmental Education through Waste Separation Training for School Children were organized on July 12th, 19th, 26th and August 2nd, had 590 school children of 343 female and 247 male from class level 1,4,5,6,7 and High school level 1,5 and 8 attended. The content of the training was about awareness raising on environmental protection, problems and impact from garbage. Participants were convinced that it was important to reduce, reuse and recycle in order to cut down the waste they would throw away, then dispose waste in garbage bin properly. It is important for children and youth to learn and participate in 3Rs process.

Environment Education in Primary 1

Primary 4

Primary 5

Primary 6

Primary 7

High School 1

High School 5

High School 8

   Waste Separation At Source Using 3Rs Approach Training for Mae La Displaced Persons was organized for 100 interested displaced persons of 74 female and 26 male during July 24th – 25th, at KEG’s office Zone A. There was a pre-test and post-test to ensure that participants had gained more understanding about waste sorting after this class.

   Following from meetings, home visits and communication, Fresh Eggs in Exchange for Household Recyclable Waste Program (1 kg. of garbage for 2 eggs) was well cooperated by youth and housewives who brought their garbage, especially plastic bags, to COERR Centers in Mae La Camp Zone A, B and C.

   This program is aimed to encourage youth to see the value of waste materials, to reduce household and community waste, leading to the nice and healthier communities.

   By joining this program, the displaced persons have participated in the campaign to reduce garbage in the community areas like roads and waterways. This month, 130 kgs. of plastic bags were bought.

   COERR paid monthly visit to household that participated in “Eco Friendly House” to provide guidelines about how to perform at-source waste sorting, learn the garbage impact and realize the value of recyclable garbage that could be re-used or sold to reduce mounting garbage problem. In addition COERR staff and volunteers also helped them clean inside and outside their house so they can follow, thus making their house a healthy place to live in. Cleaning materials like brooms were provided, water cans were given to the house with garden. Finally, a campaign poster of “Eco Friendly House” was placed in front of the houses, as compliment for their environmental and sanitary concerns.

Monthly Visit to Eco Friendly Houses

   Garbage Bank provided opportunity for schoolchildren and housewives to participate in garbage sorting as part of 3R process and income generating activity for the children education and the families. The consequence of the program was the reduction of garbage and healthier communities.

Recyclable Garbage Bank

   On July 10th, 2019, the monthly meeting was held by COERR to plan for Waste management in which 34 camp-based staff and volunteers of 28 female and 6 male attended.

Environmental Campaign Launched by High School No. 1, Umpiem Shelter in July 2019

Environment Education for Youth in Umpiem Shelter

COERR’s Environment Education for Youths in Nupo Shelter